Free Marissa Alexander

It is our concern that a grave injustice continues to assault the core confidence of women and victims of domestic abuse all over this country, as Marissa Alexander remains imprisoned for truly, "standing her ground" and thwarting an oncoming attack by her estranged husband.

It is not our intent to exhaustively reiterate the demographics of this case; however, it is our desire to make known the ambiguity of the "stand your ground" law in this particular situation, how it failed Ms. Alexander, and to yield this petition for her release.

In August 2010, Marissa Alexander defended herself from further violence at the hands of her abusive estranged husband in their home by firing a warning shot toward the ceiling. No one was injured by the shot fired to save her life; yet a 13-minute decision in the fate of an abused woman stands as a true slap in the face to the victim and her family, as well as a deterrent for those who are in abusive situations to defend themselves or seek help from the "justice system." How can a victim have confidence to do what is right when the very system that is supposed to be designed for the protection of a victim, victimizes the victim! Most importantly, the decision in the case of Marissa Alexander serves as a shot in the arm for potential offenders; it sends a confident message to them, that they can do as they wish to their victims, because as long as it's your hands, it's okay to attack, and if she defends herself, she will be called to justice.

It was also suggested by the judge in this case that Ms. Alexander "could have found some other way to flee the home," yet the law states that "those who feel threatened, have no duty to retreat," further lending to the ambiguity of this judgment against Ms. Alexander.

Something has to be done regarding all women who defend themselves against their abusers. Too often they receive little understanding and sympathy from the systems supposedly set up to protect them. Women who are victims of domestic violence need a voice, and it is our intent to be that voice for Marissa and any other potential victim of domestic violence or any other form of injustice.